Staging Your Home Checklist
01—
Basics
Organize and declutter every room. Keep decorations to a minimum.
Empty the garage, attic & closets as much as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space.
Clean everything. Consider hiring a professional service to conduct a deep clean of the entire home.
Remove personal items and memorabilia, including family photos, trophies and collectables.
Replace dead light bulbs.
Open draperies and blinds to increase natural light.
Ensure all doors, cabinets & windows open and close properly.
02—
Living Areas
Remove unnecessary furniture to create as much walkable area as possible.
Use lamps to increase brightness.
Thoroughly clean the fireplace and replace old screens.
Use coordinated accessories to create coherence.
03—
The Kitchen
Clear countertops except for a few thoughtful, decorative items.
Empty cabinets and drawers and remove dishes, flatware and cookware that don't match.
Clean all appliances, including the inside of the oven, microwave and refrigerator.
Clean and organize the pantry to maximize space.
Empty trash cans and move them out of sight.
Remove coupons, magnets and photographs from the refrigerator.
04—
Bathrooms
Scrub every surface, including hard-to-reach areas behind the sink and toilet.
Remove personal products like medicine & hygiene supplies..
Replace old shower curtains and bath mats.
Use vinegar to remove hard water stains and clean shower heads.
Use neutral-colored towels and washcloths.
Check the condition of caulk and grout and repair as needed.
Deodorize with baking soda and avoid overpowering chemicals like bleach.
05—
Bedrooms
Remove clothing and coat hangers from closets to maximize space.
Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe location.
Depersonalize by removing unneeded decorations.
Remove video game consoles and standing electronics, especially those with exposed cords.
Replace floral prints and other feminine or masculine items with gender-neutral alternatives.
06—
Walls, Windows + Doors
Remove personal items like family portraits.
Patch any holes and consider a fresh coat of paint where needed.
Replace missing or damaged outlet covers.
Wash windows, inside and out.
Repair or replace damaged screens.
Consider repainting bold and gender-specific colors with bright, neutral alternatives.
07—
Exterior
Power-wash the home exterior, driveway, and porch areas.
Clean the mailbox or replace it if necessary.
Weed beds and trim back trees and shrubs. Consider fresh mulch.
Store lawn equipment and children’s toys out of site.
Replace any bulbs around the exterior of the home.
08—
Pets
Remove pet hair from furniture and all surfaces.
Consider special cleaning products to remove pet stains.
Remove beds, toys, food bowls and other per items.
Be sure pets are not present for showings.
09—
We also suggest…
Consider a fresh coat of paint on older cabinets.
Use high-adhesion primer and an epoxy based paint to freshen up dated tile.
Open windows and use candles to create an inviting aroma.
Use mirrors to increase the appearance of space and brighten dark areas.
Avoid cooking odorous foods on showing days.